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Russell Armstrong's Friend: Bravo is Disrespectful

By Raphael Chestang 6:08 PM PDT, September 1, 2011

CNN

On Thursday, CNN's Jane Velez-Mitchell spoke with Russell Armstrong's childhood friend Randy Edwards, who ranted about Bravo's decision to air the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' season premiere so close to Russell's suicide.

"They could care less about the Armstrong family," said Randy. "All they're worried about is ratings."

Bravo will be running suicide prevention public service announcements during Monday's season premiere, but Randy dismissed this gesture as mere "damage control."

Russell's mother John Ann Hotchkiss disclosed similar feelings about the timing of the season premiere, saying, "When I was informed of this ... I thought, I hope Bravo will take the high road and keep it tasteful. Let's not murder my son twice."

In an interview with Variety last month, Bravo President Frances Berwick announced that the second season of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills would be re-edited but didn't explain how the episodes would be altered.